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EPA takes first step toward climate change regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency concluded
Friday that greenhouse gases linked to climate change "endanger
public health and welfare," setting the stage for regulating them
under federal clean air laws.

The EPA action marks the first step toward imposing limits on
pollution linked to climate change, which would mean tighter rules
for cars and power plants.

Agency officials cautioned such
regulations are expected to be part of a lengthy process and not
issued anytime soon.

Limits on carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases would
have widespread economic and social impact, from requiring better
fuel efficiency for automobiles to limiting emissions from power
plants and industrial sources, changing the way the nation produces
energy.

In announcing the proposed finding, EPA Administrator Lisa
Jackson said it "confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a
serious problem now and for future generations."

“In both magnitude and probability, climate change is an enormous problem.”

EPA report

She reiterated
that the Obama administration prefers that climate change be
address by Congress through broad, economy-wide limits on
climate-changing pollution.

But the EPA finding of endangerment
prepares for possible regulatory action if Congress fails to act.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., whose Environment and Public Works
Committee is considering climate legislation, said the EPA finding
-- stalled by the Bush administration -- is long overdue but that
"the best and most flexible way" to deal with the problem is for
Congress to take action on a broader approach.

Friday's action by the EPA triggered a 60-day comment period
before the agency issues a final endangerment ruling.

The agency said in its finding that "in both magnitude and
probability, climate change is an enormous problem" and that
carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases "that are
responsible for it endanger public health and welfare within the
meaning of the Clean Air Act."

The EPA concluded that the science pointing to man-made
pollution as a cause of global warming is "compelling and
overwhelming." It also said tailpipe emissions from motor vehicles
contribute to climate change.

The EPA action was prompted by a Supreme Court ruling two years
ago that said greenhouse gases are pollutants under the Clean Air
Act and must be regulated if found to be a danger to human health
or public welfare.

The Bush administration strongly opposed using the Clean Air Act
to address climate change and stalled on producing the so-called
"endangerment finding" demanded by the high court in its April
2007 ruling.

The court case, brought by Massachusetts, focused only on
emissions from automobiles. But it is widely assumed that if the
EPA must regulate emissions from cars and trucks, it will have no
choice but to control identical pollution from power plants and
industrial sources.

Congress is considering imposing an economy-wide cap on
greenhouse gas emissions along with giving industry the ability to
trade emission allowances to mitigate costs. Legislation could be
considered by the House before the August congressional recess.